BMW Série 1 F40 (2019 – 2024)

Reliability score : 8.7/10

The BMW 1 Series F40 marks a historic and controversial turning point for the Bavarian brand: the abandonment of the traditional rear-wheel-drive (RWD) layout and longitudinal engines in favor of the FAAR front-wheel-drive (FWD) architecture with transverse engines. While purists mourned the loss of the inline-6 engine and unique driving dynamics, the F40 gained significantly in everyday practicality. It offers better rear legroom, a larger trunk, and a massive leap in interior material quality and onboard technology (featuring the excellent iDrive 7.0 system). From a reliability standpoint, this generation benefits from the mature 'B-Series' modular engines (B38, B48, B37, B47), which have proven to be vastly superior to the older N-Series engines. Overall, it is a highly accomplished, pr

✅ Strengths

Exceptional reliability of the B-Series modular engines (B38/B48/B37/B47)
Massive improvement in interior material quality and assembly over the F20
iDrive 7.0 infotainment system is intuitive, fast, and class-leading
Increased rear passenger legroom and trunk space due to FWD packaging
Excellent Aisin 8-speed automatic transmission (on 4-cylinder models)

⚠️ Weaknesses

Loss of the traditional BMW RWD driving dynamics and inline-6 engines
Firm ride quality, especially on M Sport models with 18/19-inch wheels
Front-wheel drive architecture leads to faster front tire wear (torque steer on 128ti)
Polarizing front-end design (oversized kidney grilles)
Intrusive lane-keeping assist system (needs to be turned off every trip on early software)

🎯 Verdict

The BMW 1 Series F40 is a highly recommended purchase on the used market. While enthusiasts may reject it for abandoning rear-wheel drive, the objective truth is that the F40 is a vastly superior daily driver compared to its predecessor. The interior is premium, the tech is flawless, and most importantly, the B-Series engines are proving to be incredibly robust and reliable. Buying Advice: - For city and mixed use: The 118i is the sweet spot. - For performance: The 128ti offers the best FWD hot-hatch fun, while the M135i is a brutally fast all-weather cruiser. - For high mileage: The 118d remains an excellent, frugal choice, provided you check the EGR cooler history. Avoid diesels if you only drive in the city to prevent DPF issues.

Common issues

Dysfonctionnements du système d'infodivertissement (iDrive 7.0) Low

🔧 10 000 – 50 000 km

💶 150 – 400 €

Vérifier les mises à jour logicielles et le bon fonctionnement de l'écran tactile.

Problèmes de capteurs électriques (aide au stationnement, TPMS) Low

🔧 30 000 – 80 000 km

💶 200 – 500 €

Tester tous les capteurs et aides à la conduite avant l'achat.

Bruits de freinage (grincements) ou usure prématurée Low

🔧 20 000 – 60 000 km

💶 150 – 300 € (nettoyage/plaquettes spécifiques) ou 600 – 1 000 € (service complet)

Écouter attentivement les bruits de freinage et vérifier l'état des plaquettes/disques.

Estimated maintenance costs

Oil change	£100 – 180
Complete brakes	£500 – 850
Estimated annual budget	£650 – 1 200

Indicative estimates (independent garage, UK market). Prices vary by region and year.